[484 words]
I’ve not been on a cruise yet, but I hope to one day. From what I hear, cruise ships are all about having fun. The entire crew, from the captain to the dishwasher, is there just to serve the passengers and help them have the time of their lives. The food, the entertainment, the accommodations and the service are all superb. The ship is decorated to be attractive, filled with glitz and glamour. The whole purpose of cruise ships is to cater to the whims of the passengers. The passengers only responsibility is enjoy themselves and to leave a big tip.
Many American churches can be compared to cruise ships. Their buildings are designed to draw crowds. Their staff is selected to cater to the members and make them as happy and comfortable as possible. Their worship and programs are all about meeting the needs their members, while keeping the complaints to a minimum. “Cruise ship” churches tend to be internally focused. Very little of their calendar, training and communication is spent of outreach or missions. Statistically, only 5% of most American church budgets is spent on reaching the lost or helping the needy outside of their church. “Cruise ship” members’ only responsibility is to show up from time to time and leave a big tip (uh, offering).
Aircraft carriers, on the other hand, are nothing like cruise ships, except perhaps being similar in size and traveling on the seas. They are not built to appeal to the eye, but to carry out a specific function. Their accommodations are basic and usually crowded. They have no passengers, just the crew. From the captain to the lowest ranking sailor, they all know how their particular role fits into the overall mission – to launch and receive aircraft in fulfilling their assignments. And they do it with precision and distinction. A plane can be launched every 25 seconds, in a fraction of the space of a normal runway. They are willing to risk their lives for the sake of the ship’s mission.
Thankfully, there are churches more like aircraft carriers than like cruise ships. These churches expect all their members, from the least to the greatest, to fulfill their part in the overall mission of the church (taking the gospel to the whole world). Each one knows his/her God given ability that needs to be carried out for the good of the whole church, and understands that they must do their part if the church’s mission is to be successful. They don’t expect to be catered or coddled. They’re not looking for glitz and glamour. They are always willing to risk their lives for Christ and His church.
Which better describes the church where you are a member? Which better describes the kind of church that pleases God? Which better describes you personally – a passenger on a cruise ship or a sailor on an aircraft carrier?
Joe Chesser
via Broadway church of Christ
Campbellsville, KY